Quality and culture give UK appeal

In the past academic year, there were about 7,980 Hong Kong students enrolled on first-degree courses in the UK, making the country one of the most popular overseas study destinations for local undergraduates.

The UK's popularity is growing. According to its Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), the number of students from Hong Kong taking undergraduate courses there has risen by almost 20 per cent since the academic year 2006-2007.

As Katherine Forestier, senior education consultant with the British Council in Hong Kong, points out, this upward trend is not driven solely by the medium of instruction employed. 'The UK's market share of Hong Kong students undertaking higher education in major English-speaking destinations has also increased significantly, from 32 per cent in 2006-07 to 40 per cent in 2010-11,' she says.

Forestier cites several reasons why the UK is looked upon so favourably.

'In terms of teaching and research, the UK is home to many of the world's leading universities,' she says. 'The quality of the education provided by the UK's universities is assured by robust national quality assurance systems and qualifications gained in them are recognised globally.

'Universities in the UK also have a wealth of experience in looking after their international students. With around 140 universities to choose from, there is a huge choice for Hong Kong students and thousands of course options available. These students can benefit enormously from the experience, particularly in terms of employability.'